Friday, November 20, 2009

On my site SHIHTZUKISSES.COM I talk about why it is important to water your Shih Tzi with a water bottle. Now Simply BePaws carries water bottle stands made with Lixit water bottles. Perfect for Shih Tzu. They are adjustable and you can order them for your dogs height. Go to SIMPLY BEPAWS water bottle stands and check them out.Here is a photo of the stand in action.

Izzy got her first major in Greenville NC on Sun 11/15 Way to go Izzy!!! One more to go and she will be a champion and get a haircut to take her place in the house with my other house Shih Tzu. Cross yoru fingers for Izzy's next show!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Luna was born to this world just as any other puppy. She was a little small but seemed healthy and wanted to nurse. Born to a litter of six it did not take long before Luna was being pushed from nursing and began to starve. She was so tiny that she did not have the strength to fight for food like the other Shih Tzu babies. Within a day she started to decline and if we did not step in her life was surely in danger. Knowing how important it is for a new baby to get the first milk from her mother we forced her mother to lay on the couch and nurse her declining baby. We discovered, that not only was she being pushed away by her brothers and sisters, her own mother had decided it was not worth her milk and time to save this tiny little life. Luna's mother knew she was small and weak and fought us to give her the life saving milk.HOW LUNA GOT HER NAMEAfter several battles to get her mother to let her nurse, I decided to take over and feed Luna every two hours. I was now Luna's mother. I have a rule that I never name the puppies while they are here. If I personally name the puppies before they leave I feel some attachment to them and it makes it very hard when they go to their new homes. At feeding time who ever was closer to the whelping box would be the one I would ask to get her while I prepared her milk. I would say "Go get the puppy with the moon on her head." Finally my husband said she needed a name and that is when the name Luna was born. As you can see by the photo below she has a moon on the top of her head.

Luna did not want to take the bottle at first but after much encouraging she began to nurse and it was not long before she knew when she smelled me that she was going to eat. She quickly identified me as her mommy. Luna grew into a precious little girl. Always so tiny and way behind the others in development. Once we offered her real food she took no time in diving in. She was so much smaller than the others that could get all the way into the bowl and just lay there and eat. She was even known to fall asleep in the middle of the bowl. Below is a photo of her first meal.

After interviewing MANY potential parents for Luna, I found the perfect family and decided Luna was well enough to be with her new family. Luna has grown into a beautiful young lady. Luna was renamed Jewel. Her new mommy thought she reminded her of a precious Jewel. high speed internet users. To see more of Jewel / Luna visit TIAN MI SHIH TZUCLICK TO SEE A MOVIE ABOUT LUNA / JEWEL

Dogs are often reluctant to have their nails clipped, therefore, starting the process at a very young age is a good idea.

Initially, get your dog accustomed to you simply holding and stroking their paws. Then progress to applying light pressure on their paws and nails - lightly pinching their nails between your finger and thumb. Reward them for allowing this.

Then, after a lesson from your vets in how to cut a dog's nails, lightly trim a couple of nails a day. Just trim off the tips - this lessens the chances of you cutting too deep and frightening your dog off.

Talk to your dog in a soothing voice all the time and reward him with his favorite treat and a romp straight after. He will gradually grow accustomed to this unpleasant procedure and learn to at least put up with it.

You can choose a nail clipping tool that you feel most comfortable with. There are many types on the market and they all equal. Just make sure you get a nice sharp pair. Some people use the new tools on the market that grind the nail. I find for my Shih Tzu the simple old variety clippers work best.

It is also advisable to keep a styptic pen or Quick stop powder handy just in case you clip into your dog's quick.

Anatomy Of A Dog's NailKnowing how to cut dog's nails is easier when you know the anatomy of a dog's nail.

A dog's nail is constructed of a hard outer cover, which protects the quick which is the inner soft part containing blood vessels and tender nerve endings. In dogs with light coloured nails, the quick can often been seen as being faintly pinkish in color and is thus easy to avoid cutting into.

In the more common black nailed variety, the quick it totally invisible. Therefore, knowing exactly how to cut a dog's nails in this case is imperative. In these cases, trimming off a small amount at a time is more advisable. Sometimes you can look at the bottom of the nail and get a good idea of where the quick starts.

Keep checking the clipped part of your dog's nail and look out for a dark spot in the middle of the newly clipped area - this shows the start of the quick. Taking small amounts at a time will enable you to know whn you are getting close or let you know you can take just a little more.

Also, don't forget your dog's dew claws. Growing on the inside of his legs. To learn more abou thow to groom and keep yoru dog healthy go to www.shihtzukisses.com

Monday, July 6, 2009

OK, I get excited because once again www.shihtzukisses.com was on the first page in google for the keyword, shih tzu puppies. I was even two from the bottom on page oone!!! I have a witness this time. I ran to the other room where my husband sat reading the Boston Globe and demanded he pull up Google and type in shih tzu puppies. There is was just as pretty as picture looking so important. shihtzukisses.com!!!

I pull up Goole this am and type in key words shih tzu puppies and what the ??? happened??? Shihtzukisses.com is back on page two ;o( YES, I am obssesed!!!

Could it be Google is mad at me?? Could it be a sick game they like to play with site owners? Could it be my competition is kicking it up a notch? No, probably none of these. Its just the way the dice roll on Google. In the mean time being on page one has caused my obssesion to return. I am trying to promote Simplybepaws.com If I can get it anywhere near where shihtzukisses.com is in Google rankings I would finally say I have figured this whole ranking thing out.

Thats it!!! Google does not want you to figure it out. They keep changing the rules to keep us all guessing!!!!!

Sunday, July 5, 2009

I would never suggest skimping on grooming because it is to expensive. I would however suggest trying your hand at grooming your own Shih Tzu. If you are the least bit gifted in the creative department, you can groom your Shih Tzu.

Cleaning and grooming your pet’s coat is essential if you want to keep pests such as fleas from making their home in it. First thing you want to remember is a Shih Tzu needs to be brushed daily, if long and every couple days, if short.

THE BATH: A lot has been said about how often to give a bath. I have read and heard the "experts" say you should only bath once a month. If I only bathed once a month my dogs would be rolling around the house like Linus in Snoopy, flies and all. I bath my Shih Tzu once a week. I use different shampoos on different dogs. check out my grooming page for good products to use. Always brush BEFORE the bath. Water sets the mats. It will be harder, and more painful to get them out after the bath.

THE HAIR CUT: Once a month when I give a bath the dogs get they're hair cuts and nail trim. I use Andis clippers and You can follow the direstions on my Shih Tzu hair cut page or create your own pattern. I use a #10 blade. Don't worry if your Shih Tzu looks a little funny the first time or to. They don't seem to mind. Just remember hair grows back and you can try it again in about a month. Learn from your mistakes.

A special note on nails: A dog’s nails are continuously growing, and if they’re long they can more easily do damage to your carpet and furniture. They might also break off, which would be painful for your pet. So you need to trim your dog’s nails on a monthly basis. This isn’t like clipping your own nails because a dog’s nails are shaped differently and are much thicker. A dog nail trimmer must be utilized. You’ll also need some quick stop powder to stop the bleeding if you should happen to cut your dog.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Funny thing about Shih Tzu, just before bath day when you are snuggling in bed with your little angel, a funny smell might hit your nose. Its a familiar smell but not quite like the smell you remember. Then it hits you, "My Shih Tzu smells like a frito." or popcorn. I am tempted to get out of bed and dispense baths in any order so my precious little angels smell cuddly once again. I just tell myself tomorrow will come very soon and try to go to sleep with a guilty conscience.

Morning comes and dogs run and hide because once the first Shih Tzu hits the sink it spreads throughout the house like wildfire that IT'S BATH DAY!!! As I finish one Shih Tzu its like an Easter egg hunt looking for my next victim. One by one my angels smell cuddly again.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

AKC Executive Field Representative Michael Sauve, who bred generations of Best in Show Pembroke Welsh Corgis, died of an apparent heart attack at his home in Orlando, Florida on June 23, 2009. He was 69 years old.

Sauve held positions with the AKC as a former Assistant Vice President of Events and his current position as Executive Field Representative covering shows in Florida and the southeastern United States. He was approved to judge the Toy Group and most of the Herding Group. In addition, Sauve held the position as President of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America until accepting his position with the AKC.

"In 23 years of service with the AKC, Michael set the template for all Field Staff to follow and was widely respected for his professionalism and sense of fairness by all who knew him. Michael will be missed and thought of often by all his friends in the sport of purebred dogs", stated Darrell Hayes, Vice President of Dog Show Judges.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

We packed up the dogs and headed off to The central Florida Fair grounds to march around the ring and show how pretty Tian Mi Shih Tzu are. Sad to say the judges did not think Tian Mi dogs were the best in the ring this weekend. But I was very proud of all of them even though they did not get the purple ribbon.

On Friday John J and Bomer were shown and I have to say they looked very pretty. I was proud at the end of the day that they both showed well. Yes you heard it correctly, John J was a "pretty" good boy. He actually walked and looked stunning in the ring.

Bomer was shown again on Saturday. He went in the ring and showed his little heart out. My favorite snap shot of him on that day is this one. Just look at that Shih Tzu mug. To me he has the perfect little Shih Tzu face.

As we waited for our turn in the ring Bomer's Mom and Dad took lots of photos. I may not look so great but look how beautiful the bomb looks. This photo also shows my biggest dog show fan. My dad. He will be getting in the ring himself soon when Cheese makes her debut.

Last but not least, my pretty girl Izzy. Izzy decided since John J was so good she was going to be the bad one and she took Janis for a ride. Janis got so tickled at how bad she was being. Who says dog shows arent fun. They are when you show Tian Mi dogs.

Izzy waiting to go in the ring. We waited so long for the pugs to finish Izzy was hard to keep still and we should have known what was coming.....

Sunday, June 14, 2009

We have a dog show this coming weekend so everyone cross your fingers and root for Tian Mi Shih Tzu. John J will be showing on Friday. It is his first time back in the ring since his back adjustment. We are hoping this fixes his problem and he shows like the beautiful boy he is. He needs all the help he can get. He is such a fun boy in the ring. Ha Ha

His brother Bomer will also be in the ring. Cross your fingers that one of the Tian Mi Boys takes home the purple ribbon.

Izzy & Bomer will be shown Saturday and Just the Bom on Sunday. Just think of our babies and hope they do well. I am so proud of this liter and how beautiful all Maggie babies are.

Our Sophie's slumber line of beds includes crate pads as well as beautiful crate covers. These wonderful crate covers were designed out of a need to sooth pets anxious feelings about being in a crate as well as make those big bulky crates look pretty. Dogs are den animals and enjoy feeling like they have privacy.

Our Peeper's panties are the cutest and most functional diapers you will ever see. This design was created by myself many years ago out of the need for puppy diapers so I could let the puppies run the house without the stress of having pee all over my house, as well as a necessity when my girls were in season. Over the years I have tweaked the design to fit better and be easier to put on and take off.

Our Bubba britches are for the boys who are not so reliable when it comes to house training as well as those stud dogs who think they need to make your hose smell "better".

Our clothing line was carefully selected for quality and craftsmanship as well as the most adorable designs you have ever laid eyes on. I am very picky about the things my dogs wear and I have to say these clothes will light up your world!!!

As you would expect we always aim to make those boys feel "special" Simply BePaws carries neck ties just for our precious boys.

Our dog bow collection was designed with not only for my show dogs but precious house mouses as well. Our show bows are crafted from the best materials. These are bows I use on my dogs in the ring. Our uptown everyday bows were designed for my special little girls and boys after they are finished in the ring. Anyone who knows me knows I love to make my babies look pretty. I never had a little girl so now I can dress up my Shih Tzu.

The Simply BePaws site was born out of my love for Shih Tzu. Shih Tzu are my passion and I just love sharing my world with others.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

While I was away at The National Barb Pottieger watched Izzy for me. Izzy was beautiful when I got her back and had already been given her bath!!! Thanks so much Barb!!! Here is a photo of Izzy and her brother Bomer playing while I was gone.

It took some time for Bomer to warm up to Izzy's agressive ways but soon he was on top of the situation.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

I have to say once again I had a great time at the National show. This year I was asked to help ring steward and even though I worked a lot I had a great time. It would have been more fun if my very good friend Robin Taylor were there but we still had a blast.

Janis Mcgee, Anna May Brown and reanee ( not sure her real name) roomed together and you could not have found a more fun bunch of women.

In the end the BOB winner was well desrving, He was a bred by exibitor dog Hallmark Jolie Austin Powers born 6/12/2008 What a beautiful boy he was. Judge - Mrs Kristie Trivilino did a great job!!!

The photos are not very good but you can see the beautiful movement on this dog.Congratulations Luke and Diane for breeding such a pretty boy.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

I have been getting a disturbing about of email from people who have purchased Shih Tzu and chose to breed. They are writing me to find out what they should do now that they have breed their bitch. I have had questions concerning dogs that were bought to breed with picture attachements that were very upsetting to say the least.

I believe that if you choose to breed dogs you should at the very least educate yourself on the breed you choose. You should at least know the standard and what the dog is supposed to look like. WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO BREED IF YOU CANNOT EVEN PICK A NICE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BREED!!! Why would you want to take the chance of bringing sick puppies into the world because YOU did not want to take the time to study the breed enough to learn its health issues?

I am sorry if I come on strong about this issue but, I get emails from people who want me to help them after they have made ALL the wrong choices. I have little respect for people who buy dogs that are poor representatives of the breed and decide they want to make a quick buck and breed them. The most frustrating are the people who know their dogs are not nice representatives of the breed and decide to breed them anyway.

PLEASE, if you decide you would like to breed dogs, do yoru homework. Go to a local show and at the very least observe what the chosen breed is supposed to look like. You can go to www.infodog.com and search by state to find a dog show in your area. There is a dog show most weekends somehere in your state. approach some of the exibitors , AFTER they show, and ask questions. If you really want to breed dogs, dont you want your dogs to be nice representatives of the breed so you can brag how beautiful your puppies/ dogs are?

Friday, April 10, 2009

Last night dinner was at the McGee home. It was a chance for us to get together and get to know Janis's mother, to evaluate puppies and re evaluate dogs. The house was full of Shih Tzu. There were a total of 11 Shih Tzu wandering around from four owners.

Dinner was wonderful. Janis out did herself in the kitchen. Barb brought dessert and everyone made mmm sounds. We all had a wonderful time talking and joking about life and our dogs. We got a grand tour of all the art in Janis's house. Janis is an accomplished artist and has won many awards for her art. She has done art work for Shih Tzu specilaties as well. Her art will be available at my online store, Simply BePaws, when it opens. Maybe someday she will make me something beautiful!!! hint hint.......

We took time to enjoy the Shih Tzu. We watched them move and play. Everyone got along. John J really loved Lola. Lola was not to happy with John J.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

My precious boy has been x-rayed and checked by the vet to see if he has a problem with his hips or legs and nothing has been found to explain why he has a funny "giddy up" in his step. Today John J was taken to a chiropractor. Now mind you, I myself have never been, and I have to say I never really thought it worked. The chiropractor said she found his problem and believed it was from and old injury. I heard some pops and my little boy seemed to relax and calm down as if to say "Thank you" for finally making me feel better. I walked him around and the "giddy up" seems to be gone. Only time will tell if he is cured.

For now I am massaging is back by his tail and applying heat. I am hoping and praying this fixes him. As you can see by his photo he is to beautiful not to be a champion. He is resting quietly beside me as I write this and I am just thrilled to see him so relaxed. The things we do for our dogs. I must say, it is a lot more than I do for myself.

In closing, if you are a John J fan keep him in his prayers. I may not be sure of chiropractors but I do believe in the power of prayer. The chiropractor part will be revealed through his healing. If this does work I am making an appointment for myself. :o)

If you don't know John J., Trust me he is an angel. You would love him.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

After not checking in some time to see where my site ranks, I googled shih tzu puppies today and found that Tian Mi Shih Tzu is on page one in Google!!!! HOORAY!!! It has taken much time and many hard working hours to get it there. I believe shihtzukisses.com is a useful site and has a lot to offer the new SHih Tzu owner or the "Old" Shih Tzu owner. The site covers grooming, feeding, hair cuts, imperials, house training, standard, history, puppy mills and so much more. If you have not visited Tian Mi Shih Tzu stop by and say hi to all the babies.

www.shihtzukisses.com Finally has the message board up and running. I invite everyone to sign up. Go ahead give it a try. If you have questions concerning shih tzu I invite you to post in the message board instead of emailing me directly. My very good friend and fellow breeder is moderating the blog with me.

I spent a lot of time settig it up and starting it so that everyone could have a place to go and talk about Shih Tzu. If you have any problems email me so I can "work" out the bugs. Go to www.shihtzukisses.com/board.htm to find the link to the board.

Monday, March 2, 2009

While talking to my dogs I most often will call them my precious little angels. I came across a quote which sums it all up perfect for me, and I am sure for anyone else whos life has been touched by a Shih tzu.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

The following was written by my very good friend Janis McGee for an article in Top Notch Toys. The peice was published with a cute photo of her dog which I will try to obtain for the site but for now I think it fitting to put a photo I came accross of Bomer showing us how he felt about the ring on the day the photo was taken. Anyone who shows Shih tzu can appreciate this. I will be adding it to my website as soon as I find the perfect place for it. In the mean time here it is..........

WHAT I’M THINKIN’

Yeah, it’s a beautiful day in downtown Yah-Yah and I see my humanpreparing to take me outta my warm and fuzzy surroundings to yetanother noisy place to show off.

“On the road again – I just can’t wait to get on the road again” isplaying on the radio as down the highway we go. Hey up there in thefront, could you go a bit easy on the bumps? Errrrrr, please! Ohwell, guess I better get some shut eye, big weekend coming up.

‘You want me to do what?’ Stay in this pen until when? I know I’vebeen washed, dried and ironed, but you know it would still be great toget out and run around a bit. Not on the carpet you say – my coat yousay. But you know the carpet absorbs better and my skirt will staysoooo much cleaner that way. Okay, now you’ve done it – put meoutside the door in this pen and I’ll show you. Don’t tell me to bequiet – whadda-you-expect, theres lots of people out here lookin’ atme and making funny faces and talking really strange.

Oh, my goodness, it’s still dark outside, is it really time to get upand why are you putting me back in that van? Okay – okay, short ride,that’s good.

Now my human is going to do strange and unusual things to me – prettygrueling, but I’m surely getting used to the beauty treatment. Guessif they can carry an entire beauty salon and somehow pack it neatlyand logically into a vehicle, then my friends and I can certainlysubmit to the occasional indignities which allow us to be the mostbreathtakingly beautiful dogs at this show.

Carriage – hummm! Do you have to carry so much stuff? A table to putme on, a pretty cover for the table, a bag full of beauty supplies, arope around my neck and golly gee whiz, you’re carrying me like a sackof potatoes – ugh!

Now, who’s this and what are they doing. Oh, oh – look at all thiscompetition. Lovely! I thought I heard an intake of breath – yeah, weare quite breathtaking, aren’t we? You be the judge. Here we go.

Around and round the ring we go

Some of us fast, some of us slow

There’s those of us who really glow

And those of us that just don’t know

There’s those who really bounce and sway

And those who simply want to play

But I am smooth at natural speed

TO WIN, TO WIN is what I need.

I’m not too big, I’m not too small

I’m not too short and not too tall

My topline is a level place

My profile is thing of grace

My tail is curved up over my back

‘bout perfect mam’ and that’s a fact

My head is as high as it should be

Not sticking out in front of me

We stop and then must go to table

And I must act a bit ‘Clark Gable’

My human helps me strike a pose

Then here you come right at my nose

You take my head within your hands

And probe all through the rubber bands

Sometimes gentle and sometimes not

How much do you need to know what I got?

My head is broad and round you see

It suits the very size of me.

I look at you through large round dark eyes

Keep lookin’ mam, you’ll be surprised

My jaw is broad, my muzzle square

My teeth are pretty and just look at this hair.

My chest is broad and deep – do tell

But not a barrel you know – very well

Now moving on still checking me

I have straight legs like they’re supposed to be.

My shoulders are good, not up under my ears

And check out these elbows, they’ll last me for years

I’m sturdy, short coupled – no physical exaggeration

The grooming is simply human indoctrination

It doesn’t change what is under the hair you see

It’s up to you to find the better parts of me.

I’m supposed to be good, I’m supposed to be sound

If you’ve done your job, I will be found

If you read the Standard, surely you know

I’ll be in the ring – hooray! BEST IN SHOW!

Photo Op – smile.

Okay, enough poetry. Back to the grind now. Ow, ow, getting thatteasing out is really tough sometimes. How many more days did yousay? Fine, I’ll just go to sleep, dream of tomorrow and tomorrow andtomorrow.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

This is being posted in hopes of helping those red flags go up when you are speaking to unscrupulous breeders.

When looking for a breeder be sure to ask questions. If the breeder gets offended this is a red flag. A breeder should respect the fact that you care enough to ask questions. An educated buyer makes better parents for new puppies.

Example questions to ask;1. How long have you been breeding? This is important because if this is a breeders first liter he may or may not stick around and be there for you when you may need advice.

2. Why do you breed? This is important because if a breeder is breeding because they need the money to pay bills it is very likely they are cutting cost on care of their dogs and your new puppy. It is also possible they do not love the dogs and treat them as such. The dogs are a business opportunity and nothing more.

3. Do you test your dogs? What do you do when a health issue may arise? It is important to know a breeder is not only testing but what the breeder would do if a situation arises. Life is never certain and an issue may arise, will the breeder back that puppy and either return your money or give you a new puppy?

4. How ofter do you breed your dam? If a breeder is breeding a dam everytime she comes in heat until she is 10 you may want to go somewhere else and not contribute to the suffering of this dam. This is a strong indication profit is their motive for breeding.

5. How and where are your puppies raised? The where is important because if the puppies are not in the home with the breeder can a close eye be kept on their development? The how is important because there are things a breeder needs to do to socialize the new puppies so when it is time for them to go in the ring or to their new homes they are not afraid and run to hide from everyday life.

6. Do you sell on spay/ neuter contracts? If a dog is not sold as a show/ breeding dog (these do go hand in hand) the breeder may be capitalizing on the fact that they can sell unaltered dogs for more money. Do you want to buy your pet from someone who will sell an unaltered dog to anyone who has enough money?

7. How many breeds of dogs do you breed? If a breeder has more than two breeds they may be in the BUSINESS of selling dogs.

8. What is your policy for taking puppies back? This is VERY important because there are breeders who stand behind their dogs. Believe it or not some breeders want you to be happy because if you are not happy their precious puppy will not be and could end up in a shelter or God only knows where.

9. Do you have a written guarantee/ contract?

10. Does the puppy come with a health certificate and up to date on all vaccines?

11. Does the puppy come with AKC papers? You can read about AKC papers at www.shihtzukisses.com/papers.htm

Things to look for or take note of when talking to a breeder or looking at puppies;

1. Is the breeder knowledgeable about the breed?

2. DO THE PUPPIES SEEM HEALTHY, WITH NO CLOUDY DISCHARGE FROM EYES OR NOSE, NO LOOSE STOOLS, NO FOUL SMELLING EARS? ARE THEIR COATS SOFT, FULL, AND CLEAN?

3. Does he or she represnt their dogs honestly?

4. Do you feel like you can completely trust this breeder? You have to feel like you can trust this person with your child. This new puppy you are thinking about bringing home IS your new child and is a very serious commitment. There has to be trust between both buyer and breeder.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

We loaded the car on Wednesday night and headed for Greenville early Thursday morning. At 11:00 Friday morning all three dogs were ready to go see the judge. John J, Tian Mi's Over The Top, was really ready, to make his mommy look like she had never been in the ring before. Needless to say he was not the judges favorite dog that day.

Sweet little Bomer, Tian Mi's Bomaniscious, went winners dog on Saturday to pick up two points. Sunday John J and he were shown together and Bomer decided he was going to act like John J.

It was a fun weekend but coming home was nice. The dogs were ready to get back to their routines. Thank you so much Janis for sharing all the stress and joys of showing these three babies. Izzy loves you and shows very nice for you. Its nice to have a "show buddy"

Thank you Barb & Jim Pottieger for allowing me to show your baby. He really is a pretty boy and most of the time he shows like gang busters.

Monday, February 9, 2009

I am currently working on several projects that will change the way I interact with other Shih Tzu lovers. Shih Tzu kisses or Tian Mi Shih tzuis in the process of adding a Shih tzu message board. After enlisting the help of a dear friend and fellow breeder / exibitor to help moderate the Message board the launch date is projected to be 2/21

Tian Mi SHih Tzu will also be launching an online store that will offer Shih Tzu lovers a place to get their grooming tools and Shih Tzu gear for a reasonable price at Shihtzukisses.com

The store will feature items that I have used or have currently found "perfect" for my Shih tzu. The majority of my enjoyment of this breed is the fact you can doll them up. My online store will pass on the products my Shih Tzu enjoy.

Look for the store to open around the same time the Shih tzu message board does 2/21

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

After checking my email this am I discovered an unhappy shihtzukisses visitor that was quite annoyed with the butterflies that fly around my website.

The email was as follows:

I didn't want to steal your images or text, I just wanted to make those annoying butterflies go away so I could better read your page.

I was concerned about the annoying butterflies and decided just because I like them, what if they do bother my visitors. I decided to take a poll of the 50+ Shih Tzu lovers on my email list. I sent a mass email asking everyone for their opinion as to the butterflies annoying habits. The emails that followed were quite amusing. I chuckled at each opinion as they rolled in. Never in a million years would I have imagined butterflies would cause such a stir. I got the biggest chuckle out of many of the responses. I love my clients!!!!!

Some of the responses follows:

I love them!! I love all of it! - Shirley ____________________________________________

Hands down KEEP the butterflies. If I were you I would be Leary of anyone who makes comments like annoying or distracting, I don't know if I would want to allow a puppy to go to them. I think you are not only a wonderful breeder but a talented web site creator and the butterflies have always been such a sweet welcome to your beautiful web page. - SUE____________________________________________I am a professional web designer and I find them part of your image and NONDISTRACTING. They are not enough of an element to be distracting. I learned that if your are going to have animation it must be brief and/or subtle and I don't believe you violated this web design rule. That's my thought. Keep the little butterflies! - Ginny____________________________________________Although at first glance I thought the butterflies were cute, I did find them very distracting. You have done such a great job on the website and all the photos and information you provide to us. I think the butterflies detracts from that. Just my opinion. - Carol____________________________________________GOOD MORNING LESLIE.......WHAT IS THIS WORLD COMING TO COMPLAINING ABOUT BUTTERFLIES.....I LOVE BUTTERFLIES TOO....I FEEL IT MADE THE SITE MORE INTERESTING AND WELL...HAPPY...LIGHT HEARTED AND SPECIAL......SOME PEOPLE NEED TO GET A LIFE....I MEAN IT....WHAT WITH EVERYTHING ELSE WRONG IN THIS WORLD ALL THEY CAN FIND WRONG IS BUTTERFLIES....WOW...WHAT HAS THIS WORLD COME TO???? I SAY LEAVE THE BUTTERFLIES.....WOULD THEY RATHER HAVE SADNESS THAN A FEW BUTTERFLIES....PLEASE!!!! KEEP 'EM....... - Gail____________________________________________love them so much. Jim hates them but what does he know. He never goes into your website. Oh excuse me he does not hate them. He said they are distracting. They are not - Barb____________________________________________I personally like butterflies and they really did not distract me at all - Donna____________________________________________Hi Leslie,

I honestly love the butterflies. I do not find them distracting at all. I think you should keep them. - Jane___________________________________________Hi Leslie:The butterflies are lovely, but what you said about being a distraction, you might be correct. A lot of people might not like them. I do like butterflies myself, but I know people who don't. I really don't think it is the butterflies themselves, but the movement of them that might be distracting? Try leaving them on and keep them still, if you can? - Carolyn___________________________________________We think they are perfect...shows how beautiful our babies are and what care you take with them! - Candace___________________________________________We love it - Janet & Family___________________________________________If you like the butterflies, then by all means keep them. Those who feel compelledcomplain about every little thing can go take a flying leap off the nearest cliff. Whenthose complainers start paying for and maintaining the website, then they can have it as theywant. - Laura___________________________________________For me, any animation on a website that requires me to focus primarily on text, is distracting. Your butterflies are not annoying for me. - Stu___________________________________________

As you can see many feel very passionately about the butterflies. Some do not really like them. These posted are only a fraction of what I got back. This email was responded to more than any other email I sent to my fellow Shih Tzu lovers.

The final consensus is .............

WERE KEEPING THE BUTTERFLIES!!!

Oh and the person who sent the complaining email, after responding back, I was sorry and the reason I have a no right click script on my site was to keep other Shih Tzu breeders from stealing. The emailer kindly said:

Sorry you've had trouble with your images being taken. I've been sick with the flu, so am more easily annoyed than usual. I did enjoy your site very much. I have a sweet rescued Shih tzu/poodle mutt and was looking for information on grooming her.

As you see it was all blown out of proportion. :o)

I got a great laugh and I had feedback in the past that the butterflies could be a little distracting so I had to ask. And now I know. KEEP THE BUTTERFLIES!!!!!!

For those who are distracted.......... Im sorry.For those who love them............... So do I!!!!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

I get many puppy calls every week. Without exception the callers are calling because they have been to my site and are captivated by the enchanting Shih Tzu. Most people read my site before they call in an effort to "Do their homework" before speaking with a breeder. I had a call at 8:45 pm the other night form a person wanting to know if I had any imperial Shih tzu available. I asked him if he had been to my site. He said yes he had read most of it. I told him he must have missed the section titled "IMPERIALS!!!"

I then told the guy I only breed to comply with the AKC standard for the Shih Tzu because I did show my dogs and only wished to produce Shih Tzu that were completely healthy. I was so mad at the guy for calling me after he stated he had been to my site and did his homework. If you are searching for a Shih Tzu puppy, please do your homework. If after you do yoru homework and, in spite of all the health issues, still choose to buy a so called imperial, DON'T CALL ME!!!

From time to time tiny Shih Tzu are born to AKC standard Shih Tzu parents. If you want a tiny dog, wait for one of these or pick another breed.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

The term "Puppy mill" means different things to different people:Is a Puppy Mill. . .Puppy mills are breeding facilities that produce purebred puppies in large numbers. The puppies are sold either directly to the public via the Internet, newspaper ads, at the mill itself, or are sold to brokers and pet shops across the country.A place where several breeds of dogs are raised and the breeder always has puppies for sale?A dirty, trashy place where one or several breeds of dogs are kept in deplorable conditions and puppies are always available?A place where a single breed of dog is raised in acceptable conditions and puppies are always available?

A place where lots of dogs are raised, where breeding is done solely for financial gain rather than protection of breed integrity, and where puppies are sold to brokers or to pet stores?

All of the above?Read more about puppymills at www.shihtzukisses.com/puppymills.htm

Monday, January 19, 2009

From left to right: Bailley, Molly, Maggie, Sophie, Phoebe and Chase At Tian Mi Shih Tzu, Shih Tzu puppies are not the main focus. As you can see we take great pride in loving our dogs. While my babies were in the yard going potty they looked so cute looking for just the right spot, all in their winter sweaters. The thought came to me that I just had to get a photo of them looking so adorable. Chase and Molly were spending the weekend and the timing was perfect. Chase was put out by the whole thing but the rest of the dogs just sat there looking as adoable as they are. The challenge was getting them all to look at me at the same time. 40 clicks and this is one of the best ones.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

DOB: 08/19/2007 Tian Mi's Talk Nice To MePhoebe was born with a silver spoon in her mouth because Bailley is her mother. Phoebe is so much like her mother. I prayed when Bailly was pregnant with her last litter she would have a baby girl just like her. She granted me this request. What a jewel Phoebe is. Everything Phoebe does is perfect!!! I adore this little girl!!

About Me

I fell in love with the Shih Tzu in the summer of 1998. I had two young boys at the time and felt my maternal clock ticking so I decided I wanted another child. My husband decided maybe a fluffy little ball of fur would ease that yearning in my soul. He arrived home from work with a fluffy black and white puppy who I later named Toby. I was bitten by the Shih Tzu bug almost immediately. I eventually bought another and decided I wanted to show. After much research on the matter I tried my hardest to buy a nice show puppy but failed because no one who had nice show puppies would sell a "newbie" one. I decided to breed my own and that's how I got my first show dog "Bailley's Had Me From The Start" AKA "BAILLEY" The love of my life. I have been showing dog since then and the rest is history
Be sure to stop by and meet all my babies at www.shihtzukisses.com